Stock of khakis and kikois (wraps) for my boutique

Entrepreneur

About Me

I'm a Kenyan-born citizen, third born in a family of seven from Kitui in the Eastern province. I started my primary level of education in the locality at Mutomo Primary School, passed and was enrolled at Machakos Girls High School where I did my K.C.S.E and passed too.

Kitui lies in a semi-arid zone, whereby making both ends meet is a big nightmare. This hindered my further studies to local universities because of inadequate funds to cater for my education, taking into consideration that we had a big family. I decided to go for an earlier marriage so as to pave the way for my little siblings to continue with their studies. It's out of this that I decided to start a small-scale business of selling secondhand clothes to cater for both my family and that of my siblings; thanks to my husband, who gave me some cash to start the business.

In Nairobi, where I stay now, business is the order of the day. I have managed to expand my business from selling secondhand clothes to brand-new ones. The culture in Nairobi is a new fashion of dressing, especially the Maasai dresses, which are in high demand both locally and internationally.

I have a son who always wants to be a doctor in future. My pastime activities include furthering my studies and doing research about the textile industry.

My Business

This boutique kind of business is booming in Nairobi, but financially it has not reached its climax. I'm selling materials, both men's and women's clothes, not forgetting children's outfits.

Due to the high demand of fashion and new arrivals of outfits, I found this business as good as my job because it helps me to sell at a profit and be able to buy some stock, if not in bulk but in small quantities.

I started this business with about KSH 50,000 (~$510), which my husband got as a loan but we managed to pay back. The profits I normally use to add more stock and to cater for my family members' needs. I'm optimistic that if you (lenders) give me a loan, I will be able to do repayments and add more stock in my business.

Thanks be to Zidisha for your support in business growth and development. Hope to receive positive feedback from you.

Loan Proposal

If given a loan, I would like to buy materials, especially khakis and kikois [traditional wrap clothing] worth $100. Having got this, I intend to raise my stock to reduce buying local materials, which some customers claim to be sub-standard and of low quality. This too will make me employ others who have same interest in this field, hence giving back to the community.

This I expect to increase my profit margin to extra levels, thus I would be able to expand or open a new branch elsewhere.

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